Trauma and Stressor related disorders

Question 1

PTSD and Acute stress disorder

Answer 1

Both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder are marked by increased stress and anxiety following exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Traumatic or stressful events may include being a witness to or being involved in a violent accident or crime, military combat, or assault, being kidnapped, being involved in a natural disaster, being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, or experiencing systematic physical or sexual abuse. The person reacts to the experience with fear and helplessness, persistently relives the event, and tries to avoid being reminded of it. The event may be relived in dreams and waking thoughts (flashbacks)

Question 2

Three Domains of PTSD

Answer 2

• Intrusion symptoms following the trauma
• Avoiding stimuli associated with the trauma,
• Experiencing symptoms of increased automatic arousal, such as an enhanced startle.

Question 3

• Intrusion symptoms of PTSD

Answer 3

1. Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive distressing stories / memories of the traumatic event
2. Recurrent distressing dreams
3. Dissociative reactions (eg flashbacks)
4. Intense or prolonged psychological distress when exposed to internal or external cues that symbolise or represent an aspect of the traumatic event

Question 4

• Avoidance in PTSD

Answer 4

1. Avoidance or efforts to avoid distressing memories thoughts or feelings.
2. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (eg people, places, activities, objects).